Usuki Stone Buddhas - serene and tranquil

Address: 804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita 875-0064, Japan

The Usuki stone buddhas have been designated as a national treasure.

More than 60 figures were carved in rock face created by hardened volcanic ash and molten rock that erupted from Mt. Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) approximately 90,000 years ago. 

It is believed they are created in Heian (794 -1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods. 

We arrived here quite late and its an hour before closing time. 

This area has some easy walk that does not require any stair climbing. Just some gentle slopes. 

The area is divided into 11 zones with 1 to 4 being the main cluster (i think! 😅). 

Hoki 1st and 2nd cluster (Jizo and the ten kings, 3 kongokai dainichi, shaka nyorai and amida nyorai statues, 3 amida nyorai and shaka nyorai)

Sa no san sekibutsu (a large center statue with 2 attendants)

Furuzono sekibutsu (finest stone buddha statue in japan and famous worldwide - elegant face with prominent eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and light red mouth creating a impression of buddha warm heartedness)

We manage to see what we wanted (the 4 main cluster zones) and left for our hotel for the day. 

If you seek some quiet and tranquil moments. this is the place for you.